What is better, one dog or two?

[Gerald]

I was talking to my buddy who also has a puppy, and we both want another dog. It's not something that is on our radar for the immediate future, but later on once our puppys are well-trained we want to introduce another dog to the pack. So for all you people who are more experienced, what do you think? Is it better to just have one dog, or two or more the better??

[fireworksinjuly]

There is no one specific answer.

For some people one is and always will be the best and only answer...

There are others that two fits just right....

Other familys may feel 3+ is perfect....

It all depends on situation, ability, finances, etc

I have two- They entertain each other...they also quarel like siblings once and a while...they play together...they teach each other bad habbits... there are pros and cons of havings two.

[mulroony]

It has positives and negatives. I think the biggest blunder people make is that believing that if they get another dog it will mean there will be less work. To the contrary, it might give the dog someone else to play with besides you, but it is still going to be about twice the amount of work as owning one dog.

Positives - Gives your dog companionship and hopefully someone to play with. (I have seen people add a second dog and the dogs do not play) Gives you another kid to love. If you adopt gives a needy dog a good home. All the other personal perks of owning a dog.

Negatives - Twice as much EVERYTHING; food, toys, bones, treats, vet bills, poop, etc. Do you have the time for another dog? Do you have the space? (Cramming two dogs into a space that is too small is going to create lots of problems). The dog-dog interaction is not necesarily going to be best friends. Think of them like siblings, they might get along or not, might play sometimes, but fight other times. How do you feel about leaving them alone together? Some dogs should not be left alone together even if they get along great when you are there. One thing I have noticed is they pick up each others bad habits.

To me is it worth it (well I plan on having at least 5 dogs when I don't have a landlord to respond to) so to me yeah, but that does not make it right for you. Really sit down, think of the increased sacrifices, and rewards and if you will be able to deal with them.

[annie_so_pink]

I personally want more dogs! I love dogs and I want to go to shelters and rescue the dogs that really need homes! I like having one dog, I would LOVE to have 2 dogs, and if I had 3+ dogs I would be soooooooo thrilled! But like fireworksinjuly said, It all depends on the person...

[brandysmama]

For us, one dog is plenty. But different people have different desires and circumstances, so you'll need to decide what YOU really want and how well you can provide for multiple dogs.

[Carrie]

I enjoy multiple dogs. They're fun, interesting to watch and very companionable. They're all individuals and such a pleasure, each and every one for his/her own personality. We're all just one big happy family. LOL. But the others are right. Along with the fun are some drawbacks. When you need to travel, that's one more hassle. It's more costly, more work. So, depending on the time you have and so forth....you can decide. But it's good that you think long and hard first. LOL.

[Cassiepeia]

I looked after my sister's dog for 3yrs and now that I only have Jesse on his own, I can say that I prefer 2 dogs to 1. Jesse isn't as happy as he was/is when Bexley (the other dog) is around. She really perks him up (not that he's depressed or anything normally...he's just more energetic, perhaps...I don't know how to describe it).
It's one of the major reasons I'd love to add another dog to my family. Sadly, it's not possible right now.

So yeah...for me 2 dogs are better than 1, but I agree with the others. It depends on the individual situation.

Cass.

[mrsgrubby]

It's really up to the person. I

have found that dogs are soooo much like children.

Two dogs get in trouble together. Two dogs will do things that neither dog on their own would do, but together they just get stupid. LOL.

Two dogs do entertain each other though.

My Jasmine does not listen as well when there is another dog in the house, but I bet if we worked hard on it, that would change.

I personally only have one because she goes EVERYWHERE with me and I couldn't take two dogs everywhere. We also foster puppies and with only one dog it gives me the capacity, and I have the needed time and energy to constantly potty train and care for foster puppies.

[bigdoglover]

Well, I agree, it's up to you and what you can handle. As for me, the more the merrier!! I have 3 (not counting the litter of 7), am keeping one from the litter, plus looking at a Newfie rescue. I'll know more about him in a few days. I am lucky, I own my house and live waaayyy out in the country. The drawback is when we want to go on vacation...boarding fees for big dogs are high! So we have to budget for that right off the top. Just a thought!

[Raised By Wolves]

I currently have only one dog. She goes with me on the job, and also helps me work with dogs and owners. She really does enjoy being with other dogs, so I have considered getting a smaller dog.

I'll probably save that spot for a dog who needs a lot of rehabilitation. You never know when that could happen, but I'm open to it. There's definately room for one more!

[Tiffany0204]

Whenever I buy a house I'll possibly look into getting another dog. I"m more waiting to see how Gizmo reacts to other dogs up close and personal at the obedience training. So far he's great with them, but he's only really been around big dogs. I'm not a big dog type of girl

It's just me, so it's alot of work with the one dog, but I'm sure I won't be alone forever, and might look into a rescue when I buy a house.

[calgal]

When I had only Delsi, my 14 year old (on the 11th) blind Chihuahua, I felt a little lonely around here. No dog running around needing attention or playing. She just lays around and NEVER makes a sound. I finally decided to get a Yorkie. Zada is a treasure, she's calm, rarely barks out, is very lay back and quiet. After a few months with her I felt another Yorkie would be a great idea because it could run and play with her the way only dogs can and would be wonderful company for her, not to mention I needed another one. Azrael and Zada are 1st cousins. Azrael is a very outgoing & boisterous little girl, and keeps Zada on her tiny toes. At the same time Zada keep Azrael grounded. It's such a perfect match. I was told before getting the second one that I should get a male so they don't fight. Since I raised 6 sons, I just wanted daughters for a change. Anyway they don't fight and remind me of little ferrett's. They are constantly running, jumping, stalking & tumbling. Zada couldn't be happier and neither could I.

[Gerald]

I think that what I want to do long term is learn more about dogs in general, and then foster a dog once I have a house. This way I will be able to deal with a dog that has some additonal challenges, and the space for another dog. I also like the idea of fostering, and I may do that before taking on a permanent home for a rescue.

Before I do any of that stuff I think though that I am going to volunteer with my local Pug Rescue. That way I can get use to the foster/rescue environment, be involved and when I am ready take a needy pug foster home for a bit!!!

[Carrie]

What great thinking you have. Wonderful ideas! Keep us posted.

[kazkirkpatrick]

I love having 2 dogs! They play and fight with each other all day long, snuggle together, and just generally love each other! Two dogs is NOT twice the work, I would go with more 1 1/2 times the amount. Boarding 2 big dogs sucks,but besides that, for me 2 is much better!